JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1082 (1999) FLAC (tracks), lossless

After a lengthy run of carefully laid-out chronological Lunceford, the folks at Classics gathered up material that wasn't included in the previous volumes and laid it out as a prelude to the very last of the records made by this excellent big band under Lunceford's leadership. Whatever the reasons were for the inconsistent chronology, this bag of remnants forms an interesting encapsulation of Lunceford's last years. The core sample opens with five previously unissued Decca recordings, the first dating from December of 1944. This pre-dates the range of years as stated in the CD's title, but who's counting. The serious problem involves Sy Oliver's departure from the band in 1939 and Lunceford's quest for stylistic stability from that point onwards. One tactic involved sentimental vocalists, some of them much less hip than singing tenor man Joe Thomas. Speaking of saxophones, this band had a wicked reed section and a justifiably famous load of brass on top. Four V-Disc sides show off all of the ensemble's best qualities. Finally we come to the Lunceford band's Majestic recordings, which are a gas. Slim Gaillard's "Cement Mixer" is nearly as delightful as the original. There is a similarly spiffed group vocal on "Sit Back and Ree-Lax (With Your Battle Ax)." In addition to several remakes of earlier Lunceford hits, this disc contains no less than three different versions of Eddie Wilcox's "I Need a Lift." By the time you get to the Majestic take, you'll be able to sing along with the band. Trummy Young practically whispers his way across a thoroughly cool portrait of "Margie," and Joe Thomas handles three more topical treats, including a funny, rocking theatrical take on "Call the Police," a song most commonly associated with the King Cole Trio. Lunceford's version has shouts from the band and more than a few blasts on a police whistle. Thomas also contributed "Shut-Out," a hard-boiled bit of swing with a particularly strong rhythm component. "Water Faucet" is a stupid, shameless imitation of "Cement Mixer" burdened by a lot of slapstick dialogue with all the dignity of a Fatty Arbuckle skit. A volcanic "One O'Clock Jump" (with a fade-out!) finishes off this grab bag of uncommon Lunceford, pointing the way to the next part of the story. This consists of recordings made after Jimmie Lunceford's death, with the orchestra under the direction of Ed Wilcox and Joe Thomas. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1    Oh Gee, Oh Gosh 2:38
2    I Passed Through Memphis Last Night 2:55
3    I Need A Lift 2:51
4    Where's The Melody 2:32
5    I've Got The Carolina Blues 2:57
6    The Jimmies 3:30
7    I Need A Lift 2:30
8    For Dancers Only 2:28
9    What To Do 3:06
10    Cement Mixer 2:44
11    Just Once Too Often 3:05
12    Jay Gee 2:44
13    Sit Back And Ree-Lax 2:37
14    The "Jimmies" 2:59
15    I Need A Lift 2:33
16    Them Who Has Gets 2:55
17    Margie 3:05
18    Four Or Five Times 3:16
19    Shut-Out (Close Out) 2:39
20    Call The Police 3:01
21    Water Faucet 2:39
22    One O'Clock Jump 3:11